Emissions hit all-time high as coal use takes dominant role

A JUMP in the use of coal to produce electricity, especially in China and India, has contributed to carbon emissions from human activities reaching an all-time record high, a study published today finds. With the faltering climate change talks set to open in Copenhagen next month, the latest figures from the Global Carbon Project show carbon dioxide emissions rising another 2 per cent last year as coal became the dominant source of fossil fuel emissions, taking over from oil for the first time in 40 years.

Man-made emissions still on rise

MAN-MADE greenhouse gas emissions continued to climb last year, reflecting an expanding reliance on coal and a continuing demand for manufactured goods produced in developing countries.